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Analyzing Motives of the South and the North During the American Civil War

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Passion during the Civil War
The American Civil War occurred between 1861 and 1865 and is largely considered the most destructive conflict in U.S. history, resulting in approximately one million military casualties and an inestimable number of civil victims. Much controversy still surrounds the nature of this conflict, as its determining causes are complex. Contemporary international perception may have placed a progressive, anti-slavery label on the whole affair, yet the basic fact remains that nineteenth century America was an increasingly inhomogeneous country and prone to blatant discrepancy.
This work is focused on providing an analysis of Southern and Northern perspectives from a justifying point of view, in order to form an outline of the opposing sides' motives. Both parties were strongly driven by nationalism and had very different views and values, which they were compelled to protect throughout escalating disquiet and imminent violence.
During nineteenth century, North was comprised of a diversified society, a mosaic of nationalities and religions which blended people together in such a manner as to minimize class distinctions. Its progressive tendency materialized in general industrialism and urbanization, making use of working class as chief engine for economical development. There was a general abhorrence for slavery, and once Abraham Lincoln was elected president in 1860, these aspects were amplified, along with a powerful urge to expand and consolidate

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